[Ficalos]

I just received a Buescher Big B baritone in the mail. Unfortunately I am unable to actually play test the thing because Weiner Music still hasn't shipped my order of mouthpieces after 5 business days... So I'm trying to determine what sort of condition it's in and whether it got knocked around in shipping - the neck tension screw was bent in shipping so I have reason to believe it may have taken a hit.

I've tried the pop test, as described by Matt Stohrer. I get no pitched resonant tone, just a thump. I can see a little leak in the Bb pad, but even holding it down to where it looks like it seals I don't get the pop.

Does anyone know if the "pop test" even works on baris? He only demonstrates it on alto and tenor. Maybe the big horn is just too big for the pad pop to be a strong enough impulse to resonate. Maybe someone with a bari they know is sealing well can test it out for me real quick.

Thanks.

 

[turf3]

If you're talking about slapping a key down and getting a pitched resonant sound, it totally works on baritone.

You have to have both ends of the horn open.

 

[1saxman]

And rest it on a hard surface, like a table. But you're not going to be able to tell anything until you can play it, assuming you can't find anything by eye.

 

[Jerry K.]

I just received a Buescher Big B baritone in the mail. Unfortunately I am unable to actually play test the thing because Weiner Music still hasn't shipped my order of mouthpieces after 5 business days... So I'm trying to determine what sort of condition it's in and whether it got knocked around in shipping - the neck tension screw was bent in shipping so I have reason to believe it may have taken a hit.

I've tried the pop test, as described by Matt Stohrer. I get no pitched resonant tone, just a thump. I can see a little leak in the Bb pad, but even holding it down to where it looks like it seals I don't get the pop.

Does anyone know if the "pop test" even works on baris? He only demonstrates it on alto and tenor. Maybe the big horn is just too big for the pad pop to be a strong enough impulse to resonate. Maybe someone with a bari they know is sealing well can test it out for me real quick.

Thanks.

Fair to assume some damage will occur when shipping a bari, even with excellent packing. I shipped a bari last year and the tenon screw was snapped off and lots of damage and leaks as a result of the shippers negligence. I ate the shipping both ways and cost of repairs to resell. It would take some good luck to have the horn arrive playable! In addition to leaks, look for dents, dings and pushed in posts or braces that weren't there. I agree the pop test works on a bari as well as any horn.

 

[Ficalos]

It was packed as well as I could possibly ask. This was a professional shop, not a private seller. The seller is being very reasonable about covering damages - I'll probably end up taking it to a local tech.

Looks like I've just got to hold out for a mouthpiece to play it, but no pop is a bad sign. My tenor pops pretty well and I padded it myself (total amateur) and am certain there are a few little leaks... This bari is no tone at all. The pads are old, but I was told they all sealed so maybe something did get knocked. The bell brace is pushed in ever so slightly, but I think that was there before.

Thanks for the confirmation the test works for a good sealing bari.

 

[BH9]

Did I read that you can see a leak? That does not bode well for this bari. I don't understand why you're waiting on a mouthpiece. Take it to a tech.

 

[Ficalos]

I managed to get my leak light (sorta) working and there are a number of leaks: high E and F, A, G#, and low Bb at least. The E seems to be from a very unlevel tone hole and the F is a bad pad. Sigh...

 

[Jerry K.]

Agree with BH9 that you should get it to a tech. Good chance the horn took a serious knock, or was in worse shape than represented by the seller, pro or not. If dropped, keys can bend if not wedged closed and the body tube can get bent if not well supported with bubblewrap inside the case. A bend (which can be corrected) would explain a lot of pads not sealing. I’d get an estimate for repairs and if the seller won’t cover it, send it back.